Book Review: Love Mode, Vol 3 by Yuki Shimizu

 

Love Mode, Vol 3       

Author: Yuki Shimizu

Publisher: Blu

American release date:  July 3, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Yaoi Manga/184 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Because of a bike accident that caused him to miss a lot of class, Arashi should be in summer school. In trying to get out of it, he finds that he has been volunteered to do some volunteer work instead! So much for summer vacation! Oh well, what can he do? He ends up helping a 69-year-old man named Maryuma Kantaro in his home. First order of business – fix the roof!

Izumi is the number one host at Reiji’s male escort club. Recuperating at home due to some health issues, he is bothered by a persistent former member of the club. He knows members are not allowed to meet escorts in private, much less former members, but he doesn’t seem to take no for an answer. Reiji’s doctor brother is concerned, as is Reiji. At one time Izumi had feelings for the owner, but realizes he has found love with someone else. He worries that he will never be loved and accepted for who he really is.

And then a man unexpectedly drops into Izumi’s backyard – literally. Turns out, Arashi was working on Kantaro’s roof and he is Izumi’s neighbor, and Arashi lost his balance and fell. Unfortunately, he collided with Izumi and got bond in his hair! The poor man was forced to get a haircut! Appalled, Kantaro forced Arashi to go with him next door and apologize profusely to Izumi. Izumi wasn’t flustered, said he needed it anyway because of the time of year.

Arashi has to agree with the old man’s assessment that Izumi is indeed a beauty. But Arashi does something that gives him reason to think Izumi hates him, and when he goes next door to explain, he sees another man there and grows jealous, unaware that it’s just the doctor. When the unthinkable happens, and the old man ends up in the hospital, they run into each other again.

There is certainly an attraction there, but Izumi is worried that he won’t be accepted because of what he does for a living. He receives an opportunity to travel with abroad with one of his clients. Reiji says it’s strictly up to him. Izumi can’t help but think it would be best for Arashi if he were out of his life. The path of true love never does run smoothly.

We met Izumi previously, when our young Izumi was mistaken for him and thus began his relationship with Takamiya. Izumi longs for love but doesn’t believe in himself. He’s never met anyone like Arashi, who seems to genuinely like him.  But Izumi believes himself to be tainted and not worthy. While I don’t like this couple as much as the first two, I do like them, and their story is very sweet. Good volume, look forward to more.